All Available Units Called, Nine Arrests In Utica Fight

A fight in the back of Johnny Diamonds Restaurant and Grill quickly got out of control about an hour after midnight. A man who had been arguing with the restaurant’s owner is said to have given him a bullet after first threatening him with a handgun. The owner called police. When they arrived a fight had already started. As police approached, another fight began.

Things quickly spiraled out of control as crowd of about 200 people gathered, and many joined the fight. A glass bottle was thrown through the window of the restaurant, spraying police and others with glass.

Every available Utica Police officer responded to the scene. They were joined by the New Hartford Police, Oneida County Sheriffs, and the New York State Police.

Tasers were used to help control the crowd. Three officers were hurt and nine people have been arrested on allegations of various charges ranging from disorderly conduct, to illegal possession, menacing, and resisting arrest.